Search Results for: ugh

Feathers Season 3 Episode 6 with Jamie Ivey: Adoption and The Domino Effect

February 9, 2016 by Amy 1 Comment

In this episode, I interview Jamie Ivey.

Jamie is a podcaster, writer, and speaker from Austin, Texas. She is the proud mama of four kids and the wife of Aaron, worship pastor of The Austin Stone Community Church. Jamie loves to encourage women to passionately follow Jesus through whatever stage of life. She does this through writing and her weekly podcast, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.

Jamie shares the story of her three adoptions. We discuss how her adoption impacted our family’s adoption. We chat about the hard stuff, the good stuff, and the scary stuff of adoptions.

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I would love to connect more with you guys about the episode. Leave a comment here or we can chat about the episode on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

If you get a chance, please rate and review the episode on iTunes. This *really* helps iTunes find us and most of all, helps spread this message of faith and hope.

Feathers Season 3 Episode 5 with Emily Stroud: Telling Your Story and Managing Your Money

February 1, 2016 by Amy Leave a Comment

In this episode, I interview Emily G. Stroud.

Emily G. Stroud currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband and two children. She also owns and manages a boutique investment firm called Stroud Financial Management. She has been a Financial Advisor for a little over 17 years. Emily counsels people on how to handle their online loans, manage risk, and ensure a nice tidy retirement. Emily does her best to beat the odds of the stock market. She helps her clients plan and mitigate each possible financial scenario that can arise in their lives. Most importantly, Emily wants her clients, and now her readers, to thrive financially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Emily shares the story of God calling her to share her story at IF:Gathering 2015 and then receiving a book contract at She Speaks 2015 for Faithful Finance. Emily then shares her heart and desires for individuals to manage their money with biblical principles.

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Quotes

If you truly believe I’m real, you need to live out your faith in a more visual way.

I learned I’m totally and 100% dependent on God and not my own strength so that was part of the process too. So all the different seasons that I have gone through I truly believe prepared me for such a time as this.

How you steward your money is much more of a heart issue than a monetary issue.

Money is a tool to be used wisely.

If you are obedient to God’s plan you will be blessed and you will be able to bless others and that’s the most important thing to realize.

I’m not preaching a prosperity gospel. However, there are so many practical tools that are for financial planning that are in the Bible and God does have a best practice to manage your money. He does want it to be a positive thing in your life.

He really does control everything and we’re just managing it while we are here.

Look at it like a faith issue rather than an issue causes fear.

God doesn’t need your money. He’s got this under control, but he wants is a relationship with you and he wants you to be obedient. Part of being obedient is actually taking a step of faith and using your money to tithe and to bless others.

You cannot afford not to tithe. If you are faithful in a little God will allow you to be faithful in much, but if you are not faithful in the little bit that you have now, why in the world would he entrust you with more? Take a small step with the faith of a mustard seed and say with my next paycheck I’m going to take 10% off the top and tithe.

Expect God to show up.

If you’re already tithing, but you’re not being challenged, giving over and above a 10% tithe would be called sacrificial giving, take the next step.

People that are running really successful non-profit ministries need your money more than your time. Pray about who you can support.

When you change your perspective about your money a lot of things change in your life as well.

Money can be a root of evil. That doesn’t mean that money is a root of all evil. Money is a tool and God can use it so abundantly. Do not think of money as a negative thing.

Some of the richest people I know in my life are the most generous people I’ve met.

There are kings and priests in God’s kingdom. Kings are the people who work and create wealth and they provide the monetary resources to support priests. And a priest is the executive director for World Vision, all the different people running non-profit ministries. What they need is money to further their kingdom causes so if we see our roles in the body of Christ, we could radically change the world.

There’s a whole world of need out there and the more we can build resources and give it away, you know what’s going to happen, you’re going to make more money and you’re going to give it away and it’s going to build more.

I promise you can not outgive God.

In an ideal world, we would not have debt.

I do not consider a mortgage bad debt, but it has to be done in a wise manner.

Credit card is the #1 bad debt.

If at all possible, don’t have car debt because it will never be worth more than the day you buy it.

If you’re start seeing the tithe as a non-negotiable, then God will bless it.

If you don’t have a goal, then you don’t have a direction and you don’t know where you’re going.

Scripture

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10

I would love to connect more with you guys about the episode. Leave a comment here or we can chat about the episode on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

If you get a chance, please rate and review the episode on iTunes. This *really* helps iTunes find us and most of all, helps spread this message of faith and hope.

Feathers Season 3 Episode 4 with Alli Worthington: Leaving What’s Good, Trusting God’s Provision, and Saying Yes to His Calling

January 26, 2016 by Amy Leave a Comment

In this episode, I interview Alli Worthington.

Alli Worthington is an author, speaker, blogger, and the Executive Director of Propel Women, an organization that empowers female leaders. Her goal is to help women live the life they were created to live. Alli co-founded BlissDom Events and has helped individuals, small business owners and Fortune 500 companies be more successful. Alli’s no-nonsense, guilt-free take on motherhood, parenting and balance has led to appearances on TODAY and Good Morning America. She lives outside Nashville with her husband, Mark, their five sons, rescued dog and cat who moved onto their doorstep.

Alli’s story begins at the pinnacle of one of the most successful blogging conferences around when she heard God’s direction to quit. She then experienced a year of disobedience, another year of learning what it really means to trust God and then must learn to say yes when He calls her to the next adventure.

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Quotes

I heard two words ‘Quit Blissdom’ and I was absolutely appalled. I was shocked. I was surprised, but I knew it was God. – Alli Worthington

I wasn’t willing to obey until I knew what was next – Alli Worthington

God was growing so I would trust him – Alli Worthington

I had to decide I wanted what he wanted more than what I wanted for myself – Alli Worthington

All the success I had I was thinking in the back of my mind it was my success and it wasn’t Him leading me. – Alli Worthington

“Get up and live like you believe I’m going to take care of you.” – Alli Worthington

The reason why I’m stuck is I just don’t believe He’s going to take care of me. – Alli Worthington

Giving my opinion without doing any work is one of my favorite things to do. – Alli Worthington

“Jesus is going to have to tell us both separately to do this because this is a terrible idea,” Alli Worthingon
“No, Jesus is just going to have to tell you.” Christine Caine

I heard a very clear ‘do it’. – Alli Worthington

I never would have been ever able to say yes to this opportunity had I not obeyed God when it didn’t make sense. – Alli Worthington

God has planted different gifts inside of us and I believe they’re indicators of what we’re created to do. – Alli Worthington

If we’re so busy doing all the things that suck the life out of us we’re going to miss those great opportunities – Alli Worthington

God is directing us but asks the question will you trust me or will you not and then gives us the option – Amy Bennett

We can’t lean on our own understanding, we just can’t reason ourselves to the right answer – Amy Bennett

Scripture

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Proverbs 3:5

I would love to connect more with you guys about the episode. Leave a comment here or we can chat about the episode on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

If you get a chance, please rate and review the episode on iTunes. This *really* helps iTunes find us and most of all, helps spread this message of faith and hope.

Season 3 Episode 2 with Jessica Turner: Surprising Paths, Loving Yourself, and Loving Others

January 12, 2016 by Amy Leave a Comment

In this episode, I interview Jessica Turner.

Jessica N. Turner is the bestselling author of The Fringe Hours and companion book My Fringe Hours, as well as the founder of the popular lifestyle blog The Mom Creative. She is also is a writer for DaySpring’s (in)courage, an advocate for World Vision, a regular speaker at events nationwide, and an award-winning marketing professional. She and her husband, Matthew, live with their three young children in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jessica shares the story of how she came to write her first book The Fringe Hours, although never dreaming of writing one. She then shares the importance of self-care so we’re able to live out the call to love your neighbor as yourself.

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Links from the Episode

The Fringe Hours
My Fringe Hours
The cups from Ezra’s Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Party
AllThingsTarget.com

Scripture

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31

I would love to connect more with you guys about the episode. Leave a comment here or we can chat about the episode on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

If you get a chance, please rate and review the episode on iTunes. This *really* helps iTunes find us and most of all, helps spread this message of faith and hope.

The Shop Inspiring Extraordinary Faith for Everyday Life

January 10, 2016 by Amy Leave a Comment

If you’ve been reading here awhile, you’re familiar with our feather story–how God kept showing up in feathers for me. The feathers, now strewn all over my house, remind me of God as I go about my day.

I remember his direction that August morning on a walk.

I remember His soothing words to my spirit as I cried into my pillow.

I remember His promises I found in His word.

I remember His goodness,

His faithfulness,

His protection,

His power.

But here’s the thing. I spent years not remembering. I know it’s easy for you to forget too. Life gets busy and we go days, weeks, maybe even months forgetting.

But remembering is what keeps us going in the hard times.

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits Psalm 103:2

When we can remember His promises, His past presence and protection, we can move forward in faith.

So today I’m opening an online shop where I’m excited to offer everyday products that grow an extraordinary faith. Products to remind us of God’s faithfulness and goodness through His word.

Mornings are one of the busiest times of the day. I love the thought of you curling your fingers around this mug and even just for a moment, letting it capture some of your thoughts. It has the Feathers podcast feathers on one side and Psalm 91:4 on the other. It’s white with gold iridescent ink. A beauty.

And maybe one day, you’ll decide to wear this T-shirt and all day long you catch glimpses of the single feather on the front. And maybe as you go about your day, someone will read Psalm 91:4 on the back and remember His faithfulness.

And finally, I wanted to, in a small way, pass along some of the actual feathers we’ve found. Scott and I worked together to create a bookmark. I made one and keep it in my Bible and remember every time I see it. I only made 5 with these feathers so they’re limited edition. If you order on backorder, I’ll be sourcing the feathers elsewhere, but they’ll be the same design.

I wanted you to hear from me sharing a bit about our story and my desires behind the shop, so here’s a quick video I shot the other day:

To celebrate, I’m giving away a T-shirt of your choice. You don’t have to do a thing–everyone that orders automatically enters!

So without further adieu, won’t you come visit the shop?

Feathers Season 2 BONUS EPISODE with Joy McMillan

December 23, 2015 by Amy Leave a Comment

I’m on my Christmas vacation and have some time to put together some BONUS EPISODES!

The first one up is the “conversation after the conversation” with Joy McMillan who was on episode 13 in Season 2.

It’s a quick 10 minutes where Joy and I laugh over our brain forgetting words and remembering them at random times, my connection to South Africa, and Joy shares a bit more of her story (she’s the one that lived a double-life as a teenager, stealing and hanging out with boys in bars and God led her to share it all with her fiance) and the roots of her issues. It’s very powerful with a redemptive end!

Merry Christmas!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Speaking

Thank you for your interest in having me speak.

I love sharing the word of God to groups of women to help them grow in their faith.

I currently host the podcast Feathers: Faith in Flight and am in process of launching a 7-session video-based bible study. I have spoken to small women’s groups, was the main speaker at a youth fall retreat, and have been the emcee at our local IF:Gathering.

“Amy’s message was a fresh and inspiring “on time” word.
While sharing vulnerable moments,
we felt the Lord’s hand at work and
guidance for us to draw closer to Him.” – Session Attendee

“I love how Amy engages so effortlessly with her guests.
“You will definitely be encouraged by each episode” -Podcast listener

Below are my current topics. I’m able to lead a single session or retreat. If there is another topic you are pursuing, please contact me as I’d be happy to discuss possibilities.

To book an event or ask questions, please email me at amyjbennett@gmail.com. I’m looking forward to working with you!

Clip from the Abiding with Jesus, Our Creator and Source Retreat

1 SESSION KEY NOTES

The Fruitful Life

As Christians, we long to have a relationship with Christ and make a difference in the Kingdom, but do we understand God’s plan on how to practically do that? In this message, Amy teaches Biblical truth about God’s plans for us to abide in Him and bear much fruit. In this session, you’ll:

Gain a new perspective on how important a fruitful life is to God and His Kingdom
Understand practically how to abide in Christ in order to be fruitful
Build a desire to read God’s word, pray God’s word and obey God’s word

RETREATS 3-4 SESSIONS

Abiding with Jesus, Our Creator and Source

Is God truly interested and invested in our everyday lives? Is what we do everyday making a difference in the Kingdom? Amy has learned through many years of discipline and seeking the Lord that the answer is yes! Through Biblical teaching, personal stories and practical applications, she will help you to::

Gain a new perspective on how much God loves you and wants to abide with you
Understand practically what it looks like to abide in Christ
Recognize and remove what might block you from abiding in Christ

Feathers Season 2 Episode 16 with Amy J. Bennett

December 1, 2015 by Amy 5 Comments

In this episode, I share what God has been doing in my life this year. He gave me the word “focus” for the year, called me to step away from writing and asked me to speak. We see how God first taught me about abiding with him and then how to share his goodness wherever he led me.

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For this episode, we’ve created a transcript of the podcast. Download here!

Quotes

Sometimes God asks us to step back from good things. Amy Bennett

God has been taking me on a journey of discipline. Amy Bennett

God had been slowly peeling back the layers to get rid of things in my life to discipline me. Amy Bennett

Prophecy about Jesus coming back in Scripture broke me in a really good way. Amy Bennett

I approached it not with a sense of skepticism, but seeing it as God’s words to me. Amy Bennett

God said, “Amy, get up and talk!” Amy Bennett

God said, “You can do nothing unless you abide in me and you cannot abide in me unless you are in my word, spending time with me, obeying what you read and what I tell you and the whole poitn of this is so that you have joy and you have joy complete.” Amy Bennett

Life as a Christian was all about abiding in Him so we could be fruitful and part of that fruit is His joy. Amy Bennett

I am the best me when I am abiding in you. Amy Bennett

It’s not about what I could do for him, it was about resting in Him. Amy Bennett

Scripture

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Isaiah 12

In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, Lord.
    Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
    and you have comforted me.
²Surely God is my salvation;
    I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense^[a];
    he has become my salvation.”
³With joy you will draw water
    from the wells of salvation.

⁴In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done,
    and proclaim that his name is exalted.
⁵Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
    let this be known to all the world.
⁶Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
    for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I would love to connect more with you guys about the episode. Leave a comment here or we can chat about the episode on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

If you get a chance, please rate and review the episode on iTunes. This *really* helps iTunes find us and most of all, helps spread this message of faith and hope.

Search Results for: ugh

Feathers Season 3 Episode 6 with Jamie Ivey: Adoption and The Domino Effect

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Links from the Episode

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Feathers Season 3 Episode 5 with Emily Stroud: Telling Your Story and Managing Your Money

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Links from the Episode

Quotes

Scripture

Share

Feathers Season 3 Episode 4 with Alli Worthington: Leaving What’s Good, Trusting God’s Provision, and Saying Yes to His Calling

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Links from the Episode

Quotes

Scripture

Share

Season 3 Episode 2 with Jessica Turner: Surprising Paths, Loving Yourself, and Loving Others

Click to Listen

Links from the Episode

Scripture

Share

The Shop Inspiring Extraordinary Faith for Everyday Life

Feathers Season 2 BONUS EPISODE with Joy McMillan

Speaking

Feathers Season 2 Episode 16 with Amy J. Bennett

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Read a Transcript

Links from the Episode

Quotes

Scripture

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